How to give ourselves the best chances of success according to the experts.
Behavioral scientists have outright proven “The Fresh Start Effect”. A recognised psychological phenomenon, it occurs when we embrace a clean slate and experience an associated upwards drive in motivation, productivity and focus.
Research shows those embarking on a fresh start are more likely to achieve their goals in record time and do so with a positive mindset. Fresh starts also have a direct impact on our mental wellbeing and boost optimism because in initiating a new beginning, we are exercising our under-utilized freedom of choice. In summation, we should keep starting again, often.
Embarking on a new mission feels exciting and hopeful; you know what you want to change and why, but how to then give yourself the best possible chances at that working? Once you’ve drawn the line and made that decision, it’s time to establish how to follow it through.
But motivation is a fair-weather friend who cannot be relied upon, and guaranteed she will bolt at some point. Instead, the way to establish change is brick by brick because that momentum you build will instill the new mindset you need to slowly turn the ship and bring about powerful change.
How long does bringing about change take?
The time it takes for new behavior to embed differs according to our personalities and the nature of the challenge. In a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, researchers found that participants all had their own unique habit-building timelines, taking anywhere from 18 to 254 days for that new habit to form. ]
No matter how long it took them though, consistent repetition was the biggest factor influencing whether a behavior would become part of an automatic daily routine. Moreover, those who had fun with their goals, split them into stages, instilled rewards and created a positive support environment, were more likely to be on the 18 day end rather than the 254 day end.
Somewhat reassuringly, it was also proven that working towards goals is not an all-or-nothing process and falling short or missing a day here or there, does not affect the overall result.
So whether it be weeks, months or years, how do we keep the faith and keep on keeping on?
An authoritative voice on helping people achieve their personal goals, Nadia Addesi is a registered social worker and psychotherapist, who gives individuals realistic, and science-backed advice on how to make true change happen.
Here, Nadia gives her five power tips for making changes you want, into a long-term success.
No.1 - Make it too easy to fail
Most people quit because they try to change too much at once. The secret is to start so small that it almost feels effortless. One glass of water, one minute of stretching, one step in your skincare routine. When it's simple, you are more likely to stick with it. And over time, those small things add up. Small wins build unstoppable momentum.
No.2 - Hijack your existing habits
New habits will fail when they feel like a lot of extra work, so the trick is to attach them to something that you already do. When you take your four LYMA Supplement capsules every morning, use that moment to drink an extra glass of water or to apply your skincare. No extra effort required, just smarter stacking.
No.3 - Stop chasing motivation and build up your identity instead
Motivation is unreliable, but identity is powerful. Instead of saying, ‘I want to have better skin’, say, ‘I take care of my skin every day’.
When you shift the way you see yourself, the habit becomes part of who you are, instead of something that you're forcing yourself to do. That mindset shift makes all the difference. It's not just for skincare, it's for anything you want to be consistent with.
No.4 - Prepare to fail, but then keep going anyway
You will miss a day, you will fall off track, but that's not a failure. That's just reality. The people who succeed aren't the ones who never slip up, they are the ones who don't let it stop them. So if you forget to do your skincare routine one night, or you forget to take your LYMA Supplement, don't make it a big deal. It's going to happen, but the habit is not broken. Just keep going.
No.5 - If it feels like a chore, you're doing it wrong
You're never going to stick with something you hate, so you have to make it something that you look forward to. Turn your skincare routine into a fun self care ritual, use candles and music or podcasts, find supplements like LYMA that are actually enjoyable to take, make movement feel fun instead of a punishment. If you enjoy it, you'll keep showing up. The power is infinite. You are never too old and it is never too late to start over. You’ve got this.
Our own tissue paper-thin excuses aside, there are no barriers to a fresh start; it happens by placing ourselves firmly on Square One and setting the wheels of change into motion. Due to being short, its proximity to the start of the year, and the collective sense of ‘can’, February is considered the most promising month to start anew but in truth, it doesn't have to be the first of anything. You have the power to begin again right now. So really, why on earth not?
Go ahead and choose your challenge, LYMA has got your back.
